Breer reported earlier this week that the plan all along has been to get Gronkowski some playing time before the postseason, but that he was a long shot for this week.

The Patriots have averaged 38 points per game in their three matchups without Gronkowski, and Tom Brady has another impact tight end he can lean on in Aaron Hernandez. Gronkowski will make the offense even more dangerous when he returns, but the Patriots don't want to rush him back in the lineup.